Union Mission and it's homeless folk have received an early Christmas present from a group of students at Savannah State University's Leadership and Professional Development class.

Students there gathered donated business and professional clothing items through a two-week community-service clothing drive that included drop-off locations around campus and delivered them to the homeless nonprofit on Nov. 14.

Summer Bonanza, Chatham County Commissioner Priscilla Thomas’s outreach group, and George Bowen again this year are teaming to provide turkeys for elderly and needy low-income families. At 11:30 a.m. Monday, the turkey giveaway will mark its fourth year at Moses Jackson Community Center, 1410 Richard St. While coordinators have already identified families and seniors, some additional turkeys may be available. But Paula Webster suggests that the best way to ensure getting one is to sign up to get on the list at 912-655-3661.

Again this year, J.C. Penney Co. at the Ogethorpe Mall will offer shoppers a chance to help kids at the West Broad Street YMCA on May Street to participate in after-school activities.

Beginning Nov. 30 until Dec. 12, shoppers will be able to round up their holiday purchases with the change going to the Y to support its services. The “pennies from heaven” campaign provides for 1,100 after-school organizations nationwide.

“An Isle of Hope Christmas” Tour of Homes, will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 pm. on Dec. 11. The 10th tour, hosted by St. Thomas Episcopal Church, will feature seven homes with each address showcasing work of a local or nationally recognized artist. The church will provide refreshments and holiday entertainment in our parish hall.

Chatham County State Court Chief Judge H. Gregory Fowler must have been surprised Tuesday when his name appeared on the list of 12 nominees for gubernatorial appointment to the Superior Court judgeship being vacated when Chief Judge Perry Brannen Jr. takes senior judge status Jan. 1.

Fowler said he is quite happy where he is and plans to withdraw his name from consideration by the state's Judicial Nominating Commission that will recommend five names to Gov.